A recent Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Hearing and Appeals case caught my eye because it involved a forcible rape criminal charge that was eventually dismissed, however, the applicant was still denied eligibility for a security clearance. Why was the applicant denied if the criminal charges were dismissed? The

It is well established that a history of financial issues and delinquent debt is the leading cause of security clearance eligibility denials. Central to the adjudicative guidelines for financial considerations is the principle that an individual’s failure to live within their means, satisfy debts, and meet financial obligations may indicate